Marathon of words: Lydie Salvayre received the Marguerite Yourcenar Prize in Toulouse

Already crowned with several literary prizes including the Goncourt for “Pas pleurer” in 2014, the Toulouse writer Lydie Salvayre was in the spotlight at the closing of the 20^e edition of the Marathon des mots. On Sunday, she received the Marguerite Yourcenar Prize for her entire body of work during a ceremony which took place at the Sorano theater. With the novel “Les Mémoires d’Hadrien” in hand, Lydie Salvayre took the stage to receive the prize named after her illustrious author, awarded by the Civil Society of Multimedia Authors (Scam). This distinction was presented to her by the novelist Isabelle Jarry, administrator of Scam, of which she chairs the writing commission.

“The Marathon des mots was chosen to present this prize, which makes us extremely happy,” rejoices Serge Roué, delegate for programming the Toulouse literary event. “Usually, the Marathon does not present prizes, but in this case, it is the Scam that officiates and decides to reward the whole of a work that we love and an author who resembles us.”

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80% filling when not complete

Beyond this highlight, the Marathon of Words which celebrated its 20^e edition enjoyed new popular success. “We no longer count the number of participants because it would be an overbidding from one year to the next,” explains Serge Roué. “Most of the readings are sold out and when it is not full, the room occupancy rate is 80%. What is certain is that this 20^e edition was a great anniversary with lots of people and great energy around the authors who love what is happening in Toulouse during the readings and even during meetings and moments of conviviality.”

During this politically troubled period, the Marathon des mots allowed many book lovers to exchange and assert their attachment to human relationships and the power of words. “We noticed this year that the public wanted to focus on relationships with others, to be together, to find meaning and comfort in the words of writers,” adds the programming delegate. “The readings were followed and appreciated in all their forms, narrative or musical. We had wonderful moments, especially with Jean-Baptiste Andréa who read his novel Veiller sur elle, accompanied on the cello by Lola Malique.”

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As one edition invents another, the organizers will get back to work with the same appetite for foreign literature, meetings between authors and actors, unique guests, great writers and the new generation. Without forgetting the societal dimension of the literary event which has, for 20 years, cast its gaze on the world and its developments.